Virtual reality takes aged care residents on journeys around the world

VIRTUAL reality (VR) experiences are giving Barwon Health’s aged care residents the opportunity to travel the globe from the comfort of their homes.

The program is part of a new study investigating the social benefits of VR experiences for people living with mild dementia.

Residents at Barwon Health’s Alan David Lodge and Wallace Lodge have participated in the study, enjoying virtual tours of places too difficult for them to visit, such as the Eiffel Tower, Ireland’s countryside, and familiar Australian landmarks.

Alan David Lodge resident Ron Pettifer said the VR technology made it “feel as if you’re there”.

“It’s really good the way it tricks your senses.

“I thought it was astounding the first time I did it, seeing the sights around the world.”

A collaboration between Barwon Health, Deakin University and SilVR Adventures, the study aims to address the loneliness and social isolation faced by many people living in residential aged care.

For many residents, these challenges have only increased since the beginning of the pandemic.

Deakin researcher Dr Vanessa Watkins said the VR experiences on offer had been selected specifically for older adults.

“We have multiple headsets that can be used simultaneously, so these sessions can be undertaken as a group, enabling social interaction in a shared space,” she said.

“Reminiscing and story sharing activities have been shown to have a positive impact on those living with mild dementia, so this project is implementing VR experiences and evaluating benefits for residential aged care residents.

Alan David Lodge lifestyle officer Janette Purcell said the participating residents had been enjoying the sessions, both for the social engagement and the unique experience of exploring virtual worlds.

“The technology shows residents what the world has to offer now, while also allowing them to have visual experiences from the world they remember when they were younger.

“It’s taken some adjusting as far as the sensation and immersion of VR in a 3D space, but having that ability to look around and see these places has become something residents look forward to.”

Dr Watkins said the study was now entering its post-implementation phase in which the success of the research program will be evaluated.

“We will be conducting surveys and interviews with residents, and family members of residents where appropriate, and focus groups with facility staff.

“[These] will explore experiences and perceptions of use of the VR technology, and its impact upon the residents’ perceptions of quality of life.”

To allow the program to continue after the project concludes, Barwon Health’s staff are undergoing training in the hope an ongoing, weekly program can be implemented.